Apple & Pressed Fruit Recipe

Prepare apples

Wash the apples. Core and cut each apple into 8 thin slices or 1/4-inch dice depending on preferred presentation. Place cut apple pieces in a bowl and toss immediately with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Prep other salad components

If using fennel, trim the fronds and thinly slice the bulb. Roughly chop toasted walnuts and crumble the goat cheese. Place microgreens or baby arugula in a large mixing bowl.

Add the lemon-tossed apples, sliced fennel (if using), toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese to the bowl with greens and gently toss to combine. Keep lightly packed in the bowl while you finish the dressing.

Taste and adjust final seasoning: once dressed, check for salt and pepper and add a light additional squeeze of citrus if more brightness is needed.

To serve, transfer salad to a serving platter or divide among 4 plates. Drizzle additional pressed fruit dressing around the plate if desired and finish with a few whole microgreens or fennel fronds as a garnish.

Combine liquids: In a small mixing bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup apple juice, 1/4 cup pear juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice.

Add flavorings: Whisk in 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard until smooth.

Emulsify: While whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a jar, seal and shake vigorously for 30–45 seconds.

Season: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust balance — add a touch more honey if too tart or an extra teaspoon of vinegar if it needs brightness.

Optional finishing: For a smoother, more clarified pressed-fruit texture, strain the dressing through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp before using.

Dress: Right before serving, drizzle about 3–4 tablespoons of the dressing over the salad (reserve the rest for additional plating or another use). Toss gently to coat all components evenly.